[Sookie's mom]

My two and a half year old black lab knows basic obedience (except for long recall now and then). He has gotten pretty mellow. What is the necessary training for a therapy dog...........to visit care homes, etc.

[briteday]

Look at the AKC website for Canine Good Citizen testing (CGC). Also do a search for therapy dog groups in your area.

[cshellenberger]

WHere are you, perhaps I can help you find the courses you need, which include Obediece, advanced Obedience, Canine Good Citizen then TDI. I know that here in San Diego, I can get all the courses at The County ASPCA, I think in San Fran you can do the same and Jean Donaldson is one of the instructors there.

Here are some excellent resources
http://www.iaabc.org/c_locator_dogs_sw.htm
http://www.apdt.com/
http://www.ccpdt.org/rstr/CA.html

[Ginny01OT]

First the dog needs to pass the Canine Good Citizenship Award and the guidelines for that website (and actually Certified Pet Therapy) are on the AKC website. Once that test is passed they have to pass the CPT test. The pet must have all of its immunizations, you should have proper insurance (liability) and you, the owner, must have all the paperwork necessary to be in a healthcare facility. Being I work in one I can tell you what it is for the most part: you must have an annual physical which in essence clears you medically to work in the facility, you have to have annual TB tests and show it is negative (they are read by md, nurse, etc). If you have a positive TB test you need to go for a chest X-ray to show it is dormant. In most places now you also have to show immunization to the MMR, Polio, etc. by providing them with titer numbers, this is done by a simple blood test. Again, insurance may also be an issue. Some places also require you to be CPR certified. Sounds a little complicated but when you get all this paperwork and keep it in a little folder you are set to go.

[MagicToller]

In addition to getting your dog to be a certified CGC, I would join the Delta Society and apply for as many informational pamphlets and workshots to get associated with other people who are doing therapy work in your area.

Here's the link:
http://www.deltasociety.org/home.htm

I will be joining in next year with Koi, in hopes of begining hospital work.

[skunkstripe]

Both of mine are Therapy Dogs, and both were "home schooled". The organization I work through is not delta or TDI, since we also have cats, rabbits, etc.

Your dog needs to be ok with loud noises that are typical in hospitals and nursing homes, clumsy/improper petting, and in case you do a team visit with other handler/dog teams, really needs to be ok with other dogs (it is embarrassing to meet in the lobby and have the dogs start to go after each other!).

But it is very rewarding. I find I have a hard time at one of the nursing homes I go to-it's me, I just have trouble seeing the physical and mental state of some of the patients.

There is also a demand for dogs who are good with kids. For example, there are programs where kids learn to read by reading to dogs!

Good luck to you!

[Amanda]

Hey Sookiesmom, well im not sure about the training for your lab/pit but i do know that you can go to htpp://www.askjeeves.com and in the "ask box" put What is needed to be a therapy dog. Ok, well write me back if it doesn't work

[skunkstripe]

Here is a good link to get started with:
http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Therapy/certify.html

[Sookie's mom]

Today my local paper had a half page article about an upcoming Pet Partners training workshop. It's scheduled for May 11-12. More teams are needed in my area. Teams are evaluated by Delta Society standards. Talk about timing! I started this thread about a week ago. I'm definitely going to look into it. Thank you all for helping me get an idea of what I might be getting myself into!

[Jen D]

There is also a good book you can read The Canine Good Citizen by Jack and Wendy Volhard. it is an AKC administered Program.

[Captbob]

My dog is getting tested this Saturday. I will let you know how she does.

[skunkstripe]

Originally Posted by Captbob

My dog is getting tested this Saturday. I will let you know how she does.

Good luck!